Child Custody & Visitation Blog

The Effect of Divorce on Children

The Effect of Divorce on Children

At O’Connell and Aronowitz, we understand the impact that divorce can have on familie – particularly children. It is for this reason that we approach each divorce case with sympathy and compassion, always keeping the best interests of the children in mind. Unfortunately, the parties to divorce sometimes become so focused on the task at hand that their children get lost in the shuffle. Below are a few things to keep in mind when going through a divorce that involves children.

  • Monitor children during the divorce process – Every child reacts to divorce differently. As mentioned above, parents sometimes become so focused on the divorce process itself that they fail to assess its impact on their children. There are a number of negative ways that children can react to divorce, including:
  • Behavioral problems in school
  • Behavioral problems at home
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in mood
  • Other behavioral changes

It’s important for parents to act immediately when any of the above reactions are observed. For example, it may be beneficial for parents to seek the assistance of a counselor or child psychologist to ensure that their children adjust to the divorce in a healthy way. However, without proper monitoring, changes in a child’s behavior can be overlooked, paving the way for issues that could have been avoided with early intervention.

  • Avoid parental alienation – Parental alienation is a form of psychological manipulation, and it is a common occurrence in divorce cases. Parental alienation occurs when one parent talks badly about the other parent in front of his or her child, often giving the child a negative opinion of the disparaged parent. In addition to affecting children emotionally, parental alienation can have a serious impact on child custody determinations, even when committed unintentionally. Due to the negative ramifications of this type of behavior, it’s important for parents to keep all communications with children, particularly those involving the other parent, positive.

New York Legal Representation

In New York, divorce and legal separation are complicated processes. If you are considering pursuing either of these options, please contact an experienced New York family law attorney to discuss your options. At O’Connell and Aronowitz, our matrimonial and family law practice offers experienced counsel to both individuals and families. Our experienced New York family law attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving complex custody, visitation, and support issues in many counties throughout New York State. Please contact us for a free initial consultation.

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